THANK YOU for all your support of the Encore Ensembles program! We could not have successful programs in our schools if it were not for the amazing administrators we work with. Thank you for attending concerts, thank you for allowing your Encore Band Academy teacher to have time with the band students, and thank you for supporting music education in your school. Here are some ways you can continue to support Encore Ensembles at your school.

-Attend concerts and other band performances.-Encourage students to join band at any point during the school year.-Observe your Encore Ensembles teacher during a lesson or rehearsal. Guests are always welcome!-Encourage your teachers to put the band lesson schedule on the white board every band day.-Be sure to inform your Encore Ensembles teacher of potential conflicts during band days (field trips, school assemblies, etc.)-Give your school's band exposure to other students -- for example, ask your band director if younger students in grades K-3 can sit in on a dress rehearsal before the concert!-Support your student attending Band Festival, Honor Band, or Solo and Ensemble Contest.

FAQsQ: Does it cost our school anything to participate in Encore Ensembles?A: No, Encore Ensembles is a tuition-based program where parents pay Eighty Eight Notes School of Music directly.

Q: Do I need to add my Encore Ensembles teacher to our payroll?A: No, Eighty Eight Notes School of Music takes care of all that! We conduct background checks, place teachers, pay teachers, and supervise teachers. All that officework is our responsibility, not yours.

Q: How many concerts are the students expected to perform at per year?A: Our expectation is that band students perform in two formal school concerts per year -- traditionally a concert around Christmas and a concert in the spring. If you would like your band to perform at any additional times, please talk to your teacher directly. Performing in additional concerts is up to the discretion of the teacher.

Q: If I have a question or concern about the Encore Ensembles program at my school who should I contact?A: Mellisa Weinert - 88notesmusic@gmail.com - (651) 895-0891 or Laura Thompson - encoreensembles@gmail.com

Additional Performance OpportunitiesBand FestivalBand Festival is held every year, traditionally the last Friday of February. It is an opportunity for students in all Encore Ensembles schools to come together to form one larger band, typically 50-60 members. Festival is optional for students who have had a year of band experience or more. Since our schools are mostly smaller in size, students do not always get the chance to play in a traditional concert band. We rehearse all day and put on a concert that afternoon. Since Band Festival is held on a Friday band students who sign up will miss school, however we plan the day to be a wonderful learning experience for all students involved.

You will be informed who is participating in Band Festival a couple weeks prior to the event. Students will be made aware that they need to collect make up work from their teachers prior to the day of Festival.

Honor BandEncore Ensembles teachers nominate students who are ready for a challenge musically for Honor Band every year. When the student accepts the nomination, they then prepare an audition in order to participate in the Honor Band ensemble. Upon successfully completing the audition, the student will receive the Honor Band music to practice on their own. Honor Band is held in the spring, typically at the end of April. Feel free to recognize students who participate in Honor Band at your school!

Solo and Ensemble ContestStudents play in their school groups all the time, but preparing a solo or small ensemble such as a duet or trio is a perfect way for students to work more on their individual playing. Solo and Ensemble Contest is optional for all band students. The students perform in front of a judge and receive constructive criticism on their playing and some ideas for how to improve. All participants receive a rating of either gold, silver, or bronze based on their scores and they receive a medal. We will let you know who from your school participated in Solo and Ensemble Contest, and you are welcome to publicly congratulate them in a newsletter or on a website!

For any additional questions, please refer to the administrator Encore Ensembles handbook.